Here is an article in the Jakarta Post discussing Indonesia’s tourism problems.
Indonesia’s tourism woes
Glad someone noticed. Geographically and culturally Indonesia is the most amazing country in Asia. Most people will find something here they like, an experience to remember. Why aren’t the tourists (customers) flocking to Indonesia in the numbers they should be? Here are a few reasons.
1. There is no coordinated marketing plan to promote Indonesia as a tourist destination.
2. Some elements in the Indonesian government have a split personality when it comes to foreigners. They want them to come and spend money, then again they don’t want them at all.
3. Most of the press Indonesia gets is negative.
4. Most of the tourism related press is about Bali, not the rest of the country.
5. Indonesia only gives a tourist 30 days on arrival and charges them $25. Most other countries in the region give 60 days for free.
6. Corruption, both at the airport and inside the country deters visitors. No one wants to visit a place where the immigration officers are asking for money, police coming to their hotel (happened to me in Java) because they didn’t ‘register’ themselves (not needed in a hotel).
7. Not enough focus on delivering a product (Indonesia) to the customer (the tourist). Take a look at Las Vegas, you arrive and immediately there are goods and services within easy reach. They want your experience to be hassle free, with maximum time spent enjoying yourself and spending money.
8. Pollution. Got to deal with the garbage. How many times have we got to mention this!
9. National parks. These have to be more than just ‘private hunting grounds’ for staff.
10. New parks / trails. With so much bio-diversity, there is a need to protect it. One of the best ways is to create proper National Parks, with trails, lodges and staff who work to maintain the park and serve the customer. One such trail could be the ‘Bali Ridge Trail’ following a path, specially created from Bedugal to Gilimanuk. You charge $100 a person to hike it, offer guides but don’t require them, build simple ‘bale‘ structures along the route for the guests, with the occasional ‘official shop’ and warung. Keep the local business out of it, or it will be ruined.
11. Allow foreigners Freehold title for certain tourist activities. If a guy wants to help the country by investing $1 million of his own cash and 10 years of his life, he should be able to own his own place.
These are a few reasons why Indonesia does not top the list of SE Asian tourist destinations, plus a couple if idea on how to fix things.
